Steering apparatus



Dec. 15, 1964 J. "r. MONK STEERING APPARATUS Filed April 5, 1962 3 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR.

Jarrzzj i yom Dec. 15, 1964 J T. MONK STEERING APPARATUS 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed April 5, 1962 INVENTOR. Jimsf/ya/b Dec. 15, 1964 J. T. MONK 3,161,254

STEERING APPARATUS Filed April 5, 1962 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 3,161,254 STEERKNG APPARATUS .lames if. Monk, Jackson, Miss, assignor to M-R-S Menufacturing Qumpany, Jackson, Miss, a corporation of Delaware Filed Apr. 5, i962, Ser. No. 135,450 11 Claims. (Ell. 1Sll--'i9.2)

This invention relates generally to steering apparatus and especially to steering apparatus that incorporates two or more control stations.

In the past, steering apparatus of the type incorporating plural control stations has commonly comprised substantially independent control systems for each of the steering stations. These independent systems have included separate hydraulic pumps and separate fluid circuitry. Accordingly, steering apparatus of this nature has been relatively complex and both expensive to install and maintain. In addition, a transfer device has been ordinarily required in these prior art steering arrangements in order to convert from operating at one station to operating at the other. These transfer devices have been situated apart from both of the control stations; and apparatus so constructed has proved to be manifestly inconvenient to use.

Therefore, a general object of the present invention is to provide new and improved steering apparatus incorporating plural control stations.

Another object of the invention is to provide steering apparatus of the type described which does not require a separate transfer arrangement.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a system in which a single steering cylinder is controlled independently by separate steering devices.

And still another object of the invention is to provide an integrated steering system.

These and other objects and features of the invention will become more apparent upon a reading of the following descriptions.

A steering system in accord with the invention includes an arrangement transducing a pressure differential to a mechanical movement for actuating a dirigible device, including means defining fluid-passing passageways; a first control valve arrangement; a second control valve arrangement remote from the first control valve arrangement and having a plurality of fluid-passing ports; an arrangement for supplying fluid under relatively high pressure to the first control valve arrangement; an arrangement exhausting fluid under relatively low pressure from the first control valve arrangement; a first conduit for communicating the first control valve with one of the ports and with one of the passageways; a second conduit for communicating the first cont-r01 valve with another one of the ports and with the other one of the passageways; a third conduit for communicating the first control valve with still another one of the ports in the second control valve; a fourth conduit for communicating the first control valve with yet another one of the ports of the second control valve, the first control valve including a fluid-circuit arrangement normally operative to make connections between the fourth conduit andthe fiuid exhausting arrangement and between the fluid su plying arrangement and the third conduit whereby to condition the second control valve for operating the transducing arrangement, the fluid-circuit arrangement being selectively alterable to obstruct flow through the third and fourth conduits whereby to disable the second control valve, the fluid-circuit arrangement being further alterable selectively to make connection between the fluid supplying arrangement and one of the first and second conduits and between the fluid exhausting arrangement and the other of the first and second conduits.

United States Patent 3,ldl,25d Patented Dec. 15, 1964 In order that th principles of the invention may be readily understood, a single embodiment thereof applied to road-building machinery, but to which the application is not to be restricted, is shown in the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of the dirigible wheels of a power shovel, arranged to be steered in accordance with the present invention;

2 is a schematic view of the steering system of the instant invention shown configurated for steering by means of the rotary valve incorporated in the system; I FIG. 3 is an enlarged elevational view in cross-section illustrating the lever operated valve of the present system configurated for steering in accordance with the showing of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an intermediate scale view of the lever operated valve showing the two levers used in selecting the desired configuration of the valve;

FIG. 5 is a view similar to the showing of FIG. 2 but illustrating the system rearranged for steering in one direction using the lever operated valve;

FIG. 6 is a view similar to the showing of FIG. 3 but illustrating the valve rearranged for use in the system as it is configurated in FIG. 5;

FIGS. 7 and 8 are fragmentary schematic views of the steering system of the invention rearranged for steering by means of the lever operated valve, in particular, for steering in the opposite direction from that shown in FIG. 5; and

FIG. 9 is a view similar to the showing of FIG. 6 but illustrating configuration of the lever operated valve for steering in the direction required for the arrangement of the system illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8.

Referring now in detail to the drawings, specifically to FIG. 1, a pair of independently suspended, rubber tired wheels it) and 12, used in directing movement of a power shovel, not shown, are seen to be pivotally connected to a tie rod 14 by means of links 16 and 13 respectively. In order to steer the interconnected whee.s 10 and 12, link 18 is fashioned with a rigid formation 20 extending beyond the point at which wheel 32 is pivotally connected to the link. A device 22 for transducing a pressure diflerential to a mechanical movement is connected to the formation 2% for use in causing reorientations of the wheels 1t) and 312.

The transducing device 22 advantageously includes a hydraulic cylinder 24 and a piston 26 which is slidably operable in cylinder 24 and whose shaft is pivotally connected to the formation 2%). For directing movement of the piston 26, cylinder 24 is provided with fluid-passing passageways 28 and 36; and these passageways are situated on opposite sides of the piston 26 as is indicated in FIG. 1.

Turning to PEG. 2, the device 22 is seen to be embodied in a steering control system indicated generally by the numeral 32, system 32 being filled with a suitable hydraulic fluid. In addition to the device 22, the system 32 incorporates a lever-operated steering valve 34, a rotary steering valve 36, a circulating pump 38, a hydraulic fluid reservoir 4% and a number of conduits which are suitably arranged to communicate the other components of system 32 for achieving the objectives of the invention. To enhance understanding of the invention, it is to be realized that the steering system 32 and the dirigible arrangement including wheels 10 and 12 may advantageously be embodied in a power shovel of the type provided with a drivers seat at one location and a separate, shovel operators cab remote therefrom. In such instance, the rotary steering valve 36 is situated adjacent the drivers seat and the lever-operated steering valve 34 is situated in the operators cab, thus facilitating steering control from either of these locations.

device .22 by means of the valves 34 and 36 will be described more fully hereinafter.

Continuing with reference .to FIG. 2, a conduit .42 is.

connected between reservoir ill and the inlet side of pump 38 in order to provide a suction line for relatively low pressure fluid. A conduit 44, on the other hand, is. connected between the outlet side of pump 38 and steering valve 34 for supplying relatively high pressure 'fluid to the valve. of other conduits including an'outlet conduit 36 communicating valve 34 with reservoir 49 and a'pair of openated steering control valve 34. Conduit 52 divides] into branch'cond'uits 56 and 58 which connect respectively with passageway 28' of hydraulic cylinder 24- and with one of the control ports of steering valve 36.

"Similarly, conduit divides into branch conduitsetl and 62 which communicate respectively with the other passageway, passageway 30, in cylinder 24 and with'the other control port of valve. 36.

Turning now .to FIG. 3 for a detailed description of the internal construction of control valve 34, a housing 64 will be seen to enclose a pair of reciprocable plungcrs 66 and 68. The plunge'rs 66 and 68 cooperate .with a".

valve formation 70 in defining fluidcircuits which are selectively alterable to establish the desired operation of the steering system 32. 'Accordingly, plungers 66 and Valve 34 is also connected to a number.

ferentially spaced series of radial ports llltland a second series of similarly arranged ports '102 which are axially spaced from ports 190. Ports 10% and 102 are adapted to cooperate with the annular port 88. Plunger 66 is additionally fashioned with two series of axially spaced, radial ports, series of ports 104 and series of ports 106, which cooperate with the :annular port '90. Likewise,

I plunger 68, is fashioned with two setsofaxially spaced,

radial ports, sets of ports 108 and 110,- which co a/ct with annularlport 94, being further provided with an additional pair of axially spaced, radial port series, series 112 and 114, which function in conjunction -with the annular port 92.

Insofar as the other functioning components of system 32 are concernerhthe circulating pump 38isselected from commercially available pumps of the type conventionally employed in pressurizing a fluid. Rotary control valve 36, on the other hand, is desirably selected'to be of the type which is taught in US. Patent No. 2,984,215 to which referenceis herewith made for completeness of the instant disclosure. v

For purposes of .afiording a more complete understanding of the invention, it is advantageous now to provide a functional description of the mode .in which the compo- 2 nent parts cooperate.

68 are fashioned with end portions 72 and 74 respecs tively which are passed through fluid-sealed apertures in housing 64 for connection to operating levers. I

Turning for the moment to FIG. ,4, an operating lever 76 will be seen fulcrumed on an arm, 78 which is rigidly connected to the housing 64 of valve 34. The

portion 74 of plunger, 68 for reciprocable operation.

thereof. One position of lever 76 is shown in solid outline, and a second position of the lever is illustrated in broken outline. Similarly, a lever 80 is connected to'the rigid with the housing 64 whereby reciprocably to operate the plunger 66.

Returning to FIG. 3, the-valve formation 7th will be seen spaced apart from' the interior surfaces ofhousing When it is desired to steer the wheels 10 and 12 by means of the rotaryvalve 36, the system 32 will be configuratecl as is. shown in FIG. 2, the corresponding configuration of valve 34 being shown in FIG. 3. With ref- 4 erence to FIG. 2, the valve 34 will be seen as having been positioned so as to connectconduits 44 and 50 for delivering relatively high pressure fluid to ,the valve 36. Also, the valve 34 will be. seen as having been positioned so that conduit 48 is connected to conduit 46 for exhausting relatively low pressure fluid from the rotary valve 36 to the reservoir 40. Thus, rotary valve 36 is conditioned for causing a desired movement of piston 26 by appropriately directing and exhausting fluid through conduits 58,

' 56 and 62,60, it be'ingrecognized that valve 34 has been positioned to obstruct fiow in conduits52 ad 54.

With specific reference to FIG. 3,1a fiowpath willbe seen establishedfrom conduit 44 and channel 84 through end portion 72 of plunger 66 and to an arm, not shown, I

64 to define a generally U-shaped channel 82 opening I i into conduit 46. Internally, the valve formation 70 defines a channel 34 opening to conduit 44. Between chanand into the large channel 82 surrounding valve formanel 8-! and conduit 46, valve formation also defines a channel 35 which is selectively communicated with channel 82 and with channel 234 by means'of the operation of. plungers 66 and 68 respectively. The valve formation 70 is also fashioned to define internally-a number of annular ports, ports 88,90, 92 and 94. Ports 83 and surround the bore injwhich plunger; 66 op- 43,;and port 94 opens into conduit 56'.

I In order to cooperate properly 'with'the valve elements defined by channels 84 and i'andports 88, 9t 92-and 94, the plungers 66 and 68 are fashioned with hollow end portions connected by solid, reduced-section mid-portions, plunger 66' being provided witha fluid-directing flange 96 atits mid-portion, plunger ofibeing sirn'ilarly fashioned with arfluid-directing flange98. Furthermore,

the hollow end-portions of the plungers are formed with radial ports which are adaptedto cooperate with the annulariport s .invalve formation'l'll inestablishing.the desired fiuid" circuitry within [the valvefid."

Specifically, plunger fashionedjwith;

, steering control i t be seen: connected forgfiuid flow throughchannel 84, past the radial ports into the corresponding hollow end portion of plunger 68. The flow pathcontinues through the radial ports ms, through the annularport 9 4 and into tion 70 from whence it exitsthroughgconduit 46.

It will benoted that, in above described configuration of valve '34, the radial ports in plunger 66 are notaligned with either theannular port 88 or the annularport 90 whereby to preclude fluid flow in' conduits 52 ad 54.

Whenit is desired to steer the wheels 10 and 12 by means of the valve 34, the system 32' will be configurated asis shown in FIG. 5; andIwhen it is desired to operate piston 26 specifically in the direction indicated in FIG. 5 by arrow 120, valve 34 will be disposed as is shown in FIG. 6. Under such'circumstances, valve 34 isvrearranged to direct fluid from conduit 44 toconduit 52, be- .ing additionally rearranged to interconnect vconduits 54 and 46. Thus, fiuid'is;deliver ed to the shaft side-of the piston 26 and is 'exhaustedgfrom the opposite side of the piston whereby to urge the piston in the general direction indicatedlby arrow in or'der to achieve the desired "movement'of the wheels wand 12. 1

With particular reference to FIG. 6, conduit '44 will 3the ,oppo'site faces; f'fflange9 8 and into channel 86.-

" 'lther'eafter,'j the v through the radial ports 102' i and into the corresponding hollow end portion of plunger 66; Thereaften'the fluid passes through the radialiports 100 and into annular port 88 from whence it passes to conduit 52.

Return fluid from the device 22 enters annular port 90 from conduit 54, passing thereafter through the radial ports 106 into the corresponding hollow end portion of plunger 66. From this point, the fluid passes through the radial ports 104 and into the channel 82 from whence it enters conduit 46.

In this configuration of valve 34, it is to be noted that the radial ports of plunger 68 are not aligned with either the annular port 92 or the annular port 94 whereby to preclude the flow of fluid in either conduit 48 or conduit 50. Thus, rotary steering valve 36 is disabled while steering is being accomplished by means of the valve 34.

FIGS. 7-9 represent the arrangement which is achieved when it is desired to employ valve 34 in directing movement of piston 26 in the direction opposite to that established by the arrangement shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. This oppositely directional movement of piston 26 is indicated in FIGS. 7 and 8 by the arrow 122.

Specifically, valve 34 is directed to continue obstruction of flow through conduits 4S and 54) whereby to disable the rotary steering valve 36; and contrary to the arrangement of system 32 which is shown in FIG. 5, the configuration of FIG. 8 calls for connection of conduit 44 with conduit 54 and connection of conduit 52 with conduit 46. Thus, fluid under relatively high pressure is directed to the free side of piston 26 and relatively low pressure fluid is exhausted from the shaft side of the piston.

With reference to FIG. 9, a flowpath will be seen established from conduit 44 through channel 84 and past the opposite faces of flange 98 into channel 86. Thereafter, the relatively high pressure fluid passes through radial ports 1% and into the corresponding hollow end portion of plunger 66. Next, the fluid passes through the radial ports 104 and into the annular port 90 in making its way into conduit 54 from whence it is directed to the head side of piston 26. Fluid is exhausted from the shaft side of piston 26 through conduit 56 and conduit 52 into the annular port 88. From there, the fluid passes through the radial ports 102, into the corresponding hollow end portion of plunger 56 and out of the radial ports 102 into channel 82. Thereafter, the fluid passes through conduit 46 and into reservoir 40.

The specific example herein shown and described is to be considered as being primarily illustrative. Various changes in structure will, no doubt, occur to those skilled in the art; and these changes are to be understood as forming a part of this invention insofar as they fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

The invention is claimed as follows:

1. Control apparatus comprising: means transducing a pressure differential to a mechanical movement for actuating a dirigible device, including means defining fluidpassing passageways; first control valve means; second control valve means remote from said first controi valve means and having a plurality of fluid-passing ports; means supplying fluid under relatively high pressure to said first control valve means; means exhausting fluid under relatively low pressure from said first control valve means; first conduit means for communicating said first control valve means with one of said ports and with one of said passageways; second conduit means for communicating said first control valve means with another one of said ports and with the other one of said passageways; third conduit means for communicating said first control valve means with still another one of said ports; and fourth conduit means for communicating said first control valve means with yet another one of said ports, said first control valve means including fluid-circuit defining means operative to make connections between said fourth conduit means and said fluid exhausting means and between said fluid supplying means and said third conduit means whereby to condition said second control valve means for operating said transducing means, said fluid-circuit defining means being alterable to obstruct flow through said third and fourth conduit means whereby to disable said second control valve means, said fluid-circuit defining means being further alterable selectively to make connection between said fluid supplying means and one of said first and second conduit means and between said fluid exhausting means and the other of said first and second conduit means.

2. Control apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said first control valve means is lever-operated and wherein said second control valve means is rotatably operated.

3. Control apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said first control valve means is of the plunger-type and wherein said second control valve means is of the rotary-type.

4. Control apparatus comprising: means transducing a pressure diiferential to a mechanical movement for actuating a dirigible device, including a cylinder, a piston slidably operable in said cylinder and means defining fluidpassing passageways in said cylinder on opposite sides of said piston; first control valve means; second control valve means remote from said first control valve means and having a plurality of fluid-passing ports; means supplying fluid under relatively high pressure to said first control valve means; means exhausting fluid under relatively low pressure from said first control valve means, first conduit means for communicating said first control valve means with one of said ports and with one of said passageways; second conduit means for communicating said first control valve means with another one of said ports and with the other one of said passageways; third conduit means for communicating said first control valve means'with still another one of said ports; and fourth conduit means for communicating said first control valve means with yet another one of said ports, said first control valve means including fluid-circuit defining means operative to make connections between said fourth conduit means and said fluid exhausting means and between said fluid supplying means and said third conduit means whereby to condition said second control valve means for operating said transducin g means, said fluid-circuit defining means being alterable to obstruct flow through said third and fourth conduit means whereby to disable said second control valve means, said fluid-circuit defining means being further alterable selectively to make connection between said fluid supplying means and one of said first and second conduit means and between said fluid exhausting means and the other of said first and second conduit means.

5. Control apparatus comprising: means transducing a pressure ditlerential to a mechanical movement for actuating a dirigible device, including means defining fluidpassing passageways; pump means for pressunizing a fluid; first control valve means; second control valve means remote from said first control valve means and having a plurality of fluid-passing ports; first conduit means for conducting relatively high pressure fluid from said pump means to said first control valve means; second conduit means for conducting relatively low pressure fluid from said first control valve means to said pump means; third conduit means for communicating said first control valve means with one of said ports and with one of said passageways; fourth conduit means for communicating said first control valve means with another one of said ports and with the other one of said passageways; fifth conduit means for communicating said first control valve means with still another one of said ports; sixth conduit means for communicating said first control valve means with yet another one of said ports; and fluid in said pump means, said valve means and said conduit means, said first control valve means including fluid-circuit defining means operative to make connection between said sixth and said second conduit means and between said first and said fifth conduit means whereby to condition said second control valve means for operating said transducing means, said fluid-circuit defining means being selectiveiy alterable to obstruct flow through said fifth and sixth conduit means whereby to disable said second control valve means, said Ti fluid-circuit defining means being further alterable selectively to make connection between said first conduit means and one of said third'and .fourt-h conduit means and between said second conduit means and the other of said fluid-passing passageways in said cylinder on opposite sides of said piston; pump means for pressurizing a fluid;

steering valve'at said second station having manual valve control means, wheel steering means comprising a doubleended piston and connecting means -to said steerable wheels, a fluid reservoir having'hydraulio fiuid therein, a pump, a' conduit from said reservoir to said pump, a supply-pressure conduit from said pump to saidfirst steering valve, an exhaust drain conduit-from said first steering valve to said reservoir, a branch pressure conduit from said first valve to said second valve, a branch exhaust conduit from'said second valve to said first valve, a first pair of conduits from said second valve respectively to the opposite ends or" saiddouble-ended piston, and a second 'pair of conduits from said first valve respectively to first control valve means; second control 'val vefmeans 7 remote from said first control valve means and having a plurality of fluid-passing ports; first conduit means for conducting relatively high pressure fluid from said pump means to said first control valve means; second conduit means for conducting relatively low pressure fluid from said first control valve meansto said pump'means; third "the opposite end of said double-ended piston, said first valve having a neutral position in which said supply pressure conduit is connected to said branch pressure conduit .and said branch exhaust conduit is'connected to said eX- haust drain conduit, said second valve having two operative positions, in one of said positions said branch ,pressure conduit being'connected to one -.of said first 'pair of conduits and the other of said firstpair of conduits being connected to said branch exhaust conduit, said second ,valve in the other position of operation reversing the conmotions of said first pair of conduits'with respect to said conduit means for communicating said first control valve means with one of said ports and withrone of saidtpassageways; fourth conduitrmeans for communicatingsaid first control valve means withianother one of said ports and with the other one of said passageways; fifth conduit means forcommunicating saidifirst control valve means with still another one of; said ports; sixth conduit means for communicating said first control valve means with yetanother one of said ports; and fluid in said pumpmeans,

said valve means and said conduit means, said first control valve means including fluid-circuit defining means I operative to make connection between said sixth and said second conduityrneans and between said first and said fifth conduit means whereby to condition said second control valve means for operatingsaid transducing means,

said fluid-circuit defining means being selectively alterable to obstruct flow through said fifth and sixth conduit -means whereby to disablesaid second control valve means, said fluid-circuit defining meansv being further alterable selectively to make connection between said first branch pressure and said branch exhaust conduits, said first valve having a pair of operating positions respec- ,tively on opposite sidesof said neutral position and in both of said operating positions said branch pressure con- ;duit and'said branchfexhaust conduit being cut oil", in one of said first valve operating positions said supply pressure conduit being connected to one of said second .pair of conduits and the other of said second pair of con- .duits being connected to said-exhaust drain conduit, and

in the other of said first valve operating positions said second pair of conduits being reversed with respect to said supply pressure conduit and said exhaust ,drain conduit.

10. Steering apparatus, as set forth in; claim 9 wherein a the branch pressure conduit is direct from said first valve conduit means and one of said third and fourth conduit means and between said second conduit means and the other of said third and fourth conduit means.

- g 9. Steering apparatus forba vehicle having steerable stations having manual valve'control means, a second.

to said second valve and said branch exhaust conduitlis direct from said second valve to said first valve.

'11. 'Steering'apparatus as set forth in claim 9 wherein the first valve manual operating means oomprises a lever and wherein the second valve is a rotary valve and the manual control means comprises a wheel.

References Cited in the meet this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,112,466 Maloon Mar. 2 9,. 1938, 2,615,302 Camerota Ross Sept. 19, 19 61 

1. CONTROL APPARATUS COMPRISING: MEANS TRANSDUCING A PRESSURE DIFFERENTIAL TO A MECHANICAL MOVEMENT FOR ACTUATING A DIRIGIBLE DEVICE, INCLUDING MEANS DEFINING FLUIDPASSING PASSAGEWAYS; FIRST CONTROL VALVE MEANS; SECOND CONTROL VALVE MEANS REMOTE FROM SAID FIRST CONTROL VALVE MEANS AND HAVING A PLURALITY OF FLUID-PASSING PORTS; MEANS SUPPLYING FLUID UNDER RELATIVELY HIGH PRESSURE TO SAID FIRST CONTROL VALVE MEANS; MEANS EXHAUSTING FLUID UNDER RELATIVELY LOW PRESSURE FROM SAID FIRST CONTROL VALVE MEANS; FIRST CONDUIT MEANS FOR COMMUNICATING SAID FIRST CONTROL VALVE MEANS WITH ONE OF SAID PORTS AND WITH ONE OF SAID PASSAGEWAYS; SECOND CONDUIT MEANS FOR COMMUNICATING SAID FIRST CONTROL VALVE MEANS WITH ANOTHER ONE OF SAID PORTS AND WITH THE OTHER ONE OF SAID PASSAGEWAYS; THIRD CONDUIT MEANS FOR COMMUNICATING SAID FIRST CONTROL VALVE MEANS WITH STILL ANOTHER ONE OF SAID PORTS; AND FOURTH CONDUIT MEANS FOR COMMUNICATING SAID FIRST CONTROL VALVE MEANS WITH YET ANOTHER ONE OF SAID PORTS, SAID FIRST CONTROL VALVE MEANS INCLUDING FLUID-CIRCUIT DEFINING MEANS OPERATIVE TO MAKE CONNECTIONS BETWEEN SAID FOURTH CONDUIT MEANS AND SAID FLUID EXHAUSTING MEANS AND BETWEEN SAID FLUID SUPPLYING MEANS AND SAID THIRD CONDUIT MEANS WHEREBY TO CONDITION SAID SECOND CONTROL VALVE MEANS FOR OPERATING SAID TRANSDUCING MEANS, SAID FLUID-CIRCUIT DEFINING MEANS BEING ALTERABLE TO OBSTRUCT FLOW THROUGH SAID THIRD AND FOURTH CONDUIT MEANS WHEREBY TO DISABLE SAID SECOND CONTROL VALVE MEANS, SAID FLUID-CIRCUIT DEFINING MEANS BEING FURTHER ALTERABLE SELECTIVELY TO MAKE CONNECTION BETWEEN SAID FLUID SUPPLYING MEANS AND ONE OF SAID FIRST AND SECOND CONDUIT MEANS AND BETWEEN SAID FLUID EXHAUSTING MEANS AND THE OTHER OF SAID FIRST AND SECOND CONDUIT MEANS. 